It will be sold online and across 40 Prada stores worldwide.
Global fashion brand Prada has announced a limited-edition footwear line inspired by Indian-made Kolhapuri sandals, months after facing accusations of cultural appropriation.
The Italian luxury house will produce 2,000 pairs of sandals in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The project follows an agreement with two state-backed entities.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said:
“We’ll mix the original manufacturer’s standard capabilities with our manufacturing techniques.”
The collection will launch in February 2026. It will be sold online and across 40 Prada stores worldwide.
Each pair will reportedly cost $939 (£800).
The agreement was signed on December 11 at the Italy-India Business Forum 2025.
Prada sparked controversy in June 2025 after showcasing open-toe braided sandals resembling traditional Kolhapuri designs. The brand initially described them as “leather footwear”.
The lack of reference to Indian origins prompted backlash in India, with critics accusing Prada of cultural appropriation.
Prada later acknowledged the design’s Indian roots. A spokesperson told the BBC the company has “always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions”.
The spokesperson added that Prada was “in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on this topic”. The body is a leading state trade organisation.
On December 12, Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat announced the initiative’s official name.
It will be called ‘Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals’.
He added: “Keeping in mind Prada’s requirements and demand, some artisans will receive special training from Prada and LIDCOM [a state-backed entity supporting the leather industry in Maharashtra].
“Additionally, around 200 Kolhapuri chappal artisans will be given three years of training in Italy.”
According to Mr Shirsat, the agreement runs for five years but said he expects it to be extended.
He said: “The state government will also provide financial assistance to the artisans for this purpose.”
Kolhapuri sandals are named after Kolhapur, a city in Maharashtra. Their origins date back to the 12th Century.
They are traditionally handcrafted from leather and some are dyed using natural colours.
The sandals are known for their durability, having been designed for India’s hot climate.
Following the controversy, artisans in Kolhapur expressed disappointment. Many said they felt saddened by the initial lack of credit for the design.
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